For over thirty years Hattie Jacques was a familiar presence on radio (Hancock's "Half Hour"), television (60 episodes of "Sykes" alone) and film (she was a stalwart of the "Carry On" series). But her stage persona of a buxom, masterful female dragon who, both literally and figuratively, carried all before her (the formidable matron of "Carry On, Nurse" was a typical role) could hardly have been more at odds with her off-stage personality. Warm, impetuous and generous to a fault, she was almost pathetically grateful for any show of affection and painfully self-conscious about her figure which, she believed, had caused her to be type-cast in comic roles and never given the opportunity to tackle more serious parts. In 1947, after a tempestuous wartime affair with an American officer, she married the actor John Le Mesurier who was persuaded to divorce her in 1965 - though only after she had moved her chauffeur-lover into the marital home. It was, however typical of her that she actively encouraged Le Mesurier to remarry and the two remained firm friends until her death. Her lover's subsequent desertion was a bitter blow from which she never fully recovered, though she compensated my involving herself deeply in charity work and becoming a confidante to many of the young actors and actresses with whom she worked. This biography has been written with the help and encouragement of Hattie's surviving son and her many friends, including Barbara Windsor, Clive Dunn, Bill Pertwee and John Le Mesurier. This is the first full biography of one of Britain's best-loved actresses. It reveals the secrets of the sometimes strange and often sad private life that was concealed behind the matronly facade. It is written with the full cooperation and support of Hattie's family and friends.
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Review
`first-rate biography...what an altogether good book this is, excellently researched and infused with a love of it's subject. It should be the model for any future studies'
-- Daily Telegraph, 13th October 2007
-- Daily Telegraph, 13th October 2007
About the Author
Andy Merriman is the son of the legendary radio scriptwriter Eric Merriman and has himself written for both radio and television. His previous books include A Minor Adjustment, a biography of his daughter Sarah, who has Down's syndrome.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I couldn't put in down, fantastic, I never realised she was so unhappy, and having children that were off the rails, or the fact that eric sykes wasn't allowed to go to her funeral. I highly reccomend this book. Read or you really will miss a fantastic insight in to one our best underated comedy actresses of the 20th century.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By J. Campbell
Format:Hardcover
This was a fascinating and surprising read. I couldn't put it down! It was both touching and funny, giving real insight into personality, beyond the glamorous world of celebrity. It reveals a hugely likeable, witty, warm, generous, strong character, who was also riddled with insecurities. A very human tale, that will bring about a new level of understanding and appreciation of the Carry On era. Highly recommended!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By L. Johnson
Format:Hardcover
This book was fantastic!
As soon as this book arrived, I started reading it. I read it in two sessions and would have read it in one go if it wasn't for other things getting in the way, such as eating and sleeping.
The book pulls no punches and is pretty warts and all, but you feel as though you get to learn so much about Hattie and her character really shines through.
A defnite must if you are a Carry On/Hancock/Sykes fan, but worth it anyway even if you aren't.
A sympathetic, engrossing read with loads of photos and definetly highly recommended!
As soon as this book arrived, I started reading it. I read it in two sessions and would have read it in one go if it wasn't for other things getting in the way, such as eating and sleeping.
The book pulls no punches and is pretty warts and all, but you feel as though you get to learn so much about Hattie and her character really shines through.
A defnite must if you are a Carry On/Hancock/Sykes fan, but worth it anyway even if you aren't.
A sympathetic, engrossing read with loads of photos and definetly highly recommended!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I've always been a big fan of Hattie Jacques and the Carry on movies. This book was brilliant and gives you an insight into her life. How very popular she was. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Maxine Hulme
4.0 out of 5 stars
INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE READ
Very informative and enjoyable. Told me lots of things about Hatties life that I had never known and showed a different side to Hattie as the wife and mother
Published 27 days ago by ALISON JEPSON
3.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing person not so amazing book
Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with this book as at times it feels like it is simply listing Hattie Jacques work in minute detail and can seem rather boring. Read more
Published 3 months ago by EJS
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but a little disappointing
I've always been a fan and Hattie was an interesting and lovely character to read about, however, the writing style was not great for me. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Perrin
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
This conveys the warmth and generosity of Hattie. Her lunches were legend and her giving was brilliant.
A well written ode.
A well written ode.
Published 6 months ago by Philbo Baggins
2.0 out of 5 stars
Poor biography
I was very disapointed with this book. I am a big fan of Hattie Jacques and always enjoyed her work. Read more
Published 6 months ago by juliepritch
4.0 out of 5 stars
a glimpse into the life of a big star
insight into the life of hattie jacques , a good read, surprised at how down to earth and well loved hattie was, for those old enough to remember carry on an enjoyable read
Published 8 months ago by corrinna
5.0 out of 5 stars
good book very informative
very good book on a great actress learnt so much about the woman and her life a very good buy
Published 11 months ago by maleficent is good
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bland but fine if you're a fan of Hattie Jacques
If you're a fan of Hattie Jacques and want some insight into her unhappiness etc. this is a passable book. I found it a bit thin and a little 'Pooterish' in parts. Read more
Published 14 months ago by DS Sloan
5.0 out of 5 stars
hattie;the authorised biography of hatis jacques
its a lovely read this book you feel you are there with her thought the ups and downs , a brilliant told story of larger then life hattie jacques it full of surprizers and not what... Read more
Published 14 months ago by stjamespark
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